ITC News

ITC Chair, Commissioner Natacha Seijas, led a 15 member delegation, made up of public and private sector participants, on the first Miami-Dade County business development mission to Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, Brazil from September 19th - 26th, 2009. The mission was organized with the support of the Beacon Council, the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, and the Latin Chamber of Commerce of U.S.A. (CAMACOL).

The U.S. Commercial Service provided the delegation with in-country briefings detailing the specifics of doing business in Brazil.  The delegation met with high level government officials in both Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte.  Private sector participants engaged in 118 business-to-business matchmaking meetings with their counterparts, and attended networking events with local businesses and representatives from economic development agencies.

As a result of an invitation extended by Commissioner Seijas during this historic mission, high level government officials from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, will lead a trade delegation to Miami-Dade County from November 3rd-6th. The ITC mission to Brazil was also successful in showcasing Miami-Dade County's position as a Global Gateway for trade with our #1 trading partner.  In addition, the mission further strengthened the County's Sister Cities affiliation with Sao Paulo, Brazil; a relationship established in 1988.

The ITC commenced a joint business development mission in conjunction with Enterprise Florida, to Dakar, Senegal, and Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 16th-27th, 2009. The 13 member delegation, led by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, promises to strengthen bilateral trade and increase cultural linkages between Miami-Dade County and these strategically selected African communities.

Mission participants received in-country briefings from local economic development agencies, and had the opportunity to meet with high-level government officials, and participate in business-to-business matchmaking meetings with their counterparts in each city. One of the highlights of the mission was the completion of the Sister Cities agreement with Dakar. This historic agreement marks the program's first ever affiliation with an African city.

The ITC was one of the principal organizers of an inbound trade mission from the province of Entre Rios, Argentina from October 5th to October 7th.  Governor Sergio Urribarri, of the province of Entre Rios, led the delegation of government and private sector representatives organized by the Consulate General of Argentina in Miami.  The delegation was here to explore ways to increase trade and institutional ties between Miami-Dade County and Argentina; Miami-Dade County's #10 trading partner with total trade of over $2.3 billion in 2008. 

ITC Executive Director, Tony Ojeda, gave a presentation detailing the County's position as a Global Gateway for trade.  ITC Chair, Commissioner Natacha Seijas, welcomed Governor Urribarri and his delegation, and introduced them to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), where they were graciously received by BCC Chairman, Dennis C. Moss, and the members of the Commission. 

The ITC assisted the delegation by using its database to identify businesses in South Florida that matched the target industries of the visiting delegation for business-to-business matchmaking meetings.  The ITC also coordinated with the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport to provide meetings with the visiting delegation.

The ITC will be a sponsor at the 12th Annual Americas Food and Beverage Show, presented by the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM), November 9th-10th.  ITC Executive Director, Tony Ojeda, will be a co-presenter at the opening reception.  More than 250 international business executives are expected to attend the reception along with agricultural ministers and USDA officials.  Mr. Ojeda and WTCM President, Charlotte Gallogly, will present the "Best in the Americas" awards to show exhibitors in various categories including Best Coffee, Best Candy, Best Energy Drink, and others.

On November 5th, the ITC will participate in the 1st Annual South Florida Asia Business Expo, at the Broward County Convention Center, to promote Miami-Dade County's role as a Global Gateway for culture and international trade.  Organized by the Global Business Calendar, this event will include an exhibition, workshops, round table discussions, education, entertainment, culture, and networking opportunities.  The objective of the Asia Business Expo is to highlight travel and tourism, business, and the lifestyle and culture of countries in Asia.